A growing fast casual
known for its Chicago-style hot dogs and a national smoothie chain have some new faces at the top.
This week fast casual Portillo’s tapped restaurant veteran Brett Patterson as president
and CEO, beginning Feb. 23. Patterson fills the role held by interim CEO and board chair Michael Miles Jr., who took the job on a temporary basis during the executive search after the departure of
former CEO Michael Osanloo in Sept. 2025.
Paterson joins Portillo’s most recently from serving for 18 months as CEO for Miller’s Ale House restaurants. Before Miller’s, he
spent over seven years at Outback Steakhouse, where he served as president for nearly five years. Earlier in his career he held senior roles at both Ruby Tuesday and Olive Garden.
“Brett
has all the right qualities to lead Portillo’s into its next chapter of growth,” says Miles Jr. “He brings the strategic mindset, operations expertise and leadership style needed to
grow this brand… Having worked his way up through the ranks and served in virtually every operational role within a restaurant, he understands the business from the ground up and the people who
make it a success every day.”
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Portillo’s Q3 2025 revenues were up 1.8% to $181.4 million, which was attributed to the chain’s expansion, but it also experienced a 0.8% drop
in same-restaurant sales.
Robeks has named longtime multiunit franchisee Dave Hutchinson as vice president of marketing.
Hutchinson has worked within Robeks’ system for over 20
years, and currently owns and operates two locations in Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia. Earlier in his career Hutchinson spent time at Capital One, Deloitte Consulting and Travelers Insurance.
“Dave’s story is the embodiment of what makes Robeks special. His passion for our products, unwavering focus on community, and commitment to growing the brand through meaningful
connections with guests and franchise partners sets us up for success,” said David Rawnsley, President of Robeks. “His firsthand experience as a multi-unit owner gives him unparalleled
insight into our franchisees’ needs and equips him to lead marketing efforts that strengthen the brand and fuel future growth.”